Town Hall's old slate roof has a surprise

Failing slate shingles spell out 'PATASKALA'

10:18 PM,
Apr. 16, 2013

Pataskala is preparing to replace the nearly-100-year-old slate roof atop Town Hall, pictured here. When it does, a piece of history will come down, as the city's name is imprinted upon the roof. Pilots decades ago used the name and a corresponding arrow to guide them to Port Columbus.

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The word "Pataskala" is visible high above this western Licking County city, but likely not for long.

City officials have discussed replacing the failing slate roof on top Town Hall on Main Street, but an eagle-eyed resident recently noticed an overhead satellite photo revealed the block letters spelling "Pataskala" imprinted on the south-facing side of the roof.

Kay Cameron, who belongs to a group that is working to restore the Sterling Theater on the second floor of Town Hall, said she discovered the photo online while researching the building for an upcoming event. ...